Deputy Sheriff Kyle D. Pagerly's widow, Alecia A., hugs the K-9 officer's partner, Jynx, at a community carwash Friday at the playground in Sinking Spring. The dog was retired to live with Pagerly following her husband's death in a shootout last week.

Berks County is a special place, David Pagerly said Friday during an event that he said proved his point.

It was a carwash and bake sale at the Sinking Spring Playground, the latest local event honoring David's son, Kyle D. Pagerly, the Berks County deputy sheriff killed June 29 while trying to arrest an armed fugitive.

The Pagerly family could not have survived the last week without that incredible community support, David Pagerly said.

"The people of Berks County have shown their true colors," said David Pagerly of West Lawn. "We're so grateful."

Kyle was humble, so he never would have asked for the honors he's received, but he would have appreciated the kindness just the same, said his widow, Alecia A. Pagerly.

"He would never believe it," she said of the support. "It's overwhelming."

Kyle also would have been thankful for how nice people have been to his K-9 partner, Jynx, who was by his side when he was fatally shot.

"That would have meant a lot to him," she said.

The German shepherd, which will remain with the family, barked, something Alecia said was his way of also saying thanks.

The family has also relied heavily on the sheriff's department and Sheriff Eric J. Weaknecht, David Pagerly said.

"They've been a rock for us," he said. "They've been with us every minute. We couldn't have gotten through this without them."

Kyle Pagerly was shot by Matthew M. Connor near Connor's family home in the Hawk Mountain area of Albany Township while Pagerly and a fugitive task force were trying to arrest Connor. Connor was also fatally shot.

Earlier that day Kyle Pagerly had volunteered to mentor young people pursuing law enforcement careers through the sheriff department's new Explorer Post.

David Pagerly said he would now take his son's place, encouraging young people to emulate his son's service and dedication.

Friday's event had the feel of a typical summer carnival, with burgers grilling, music pumping over loudspeakers and children playing.

Most of Kyle's fellow deputies in the warrants division were there washing cars, and it was the first time Weaknecht had seen them having fun since Kyle's death, laughing and spraying water on one another.

"It's a very important day," Weaknecht said.

The counselors from the U.S. Marshals Service who have spoken with department members and their wives, have helped, Weaknecht said. The counselors will remain in Reading as long as they are needed, he said.

The generosity of Berks residents and businesses has been incredible, he said.

The goal Friday was to raise $10,000, but by 1:20 p.m. the total had topped $11,000, and cars were still coming in to be washed, bills still being stuffed into jugs. The exact total raised was unavailable.

Some of the money will go to Kyle's favorite charities, which include the Animal Rescue League of Berks County and the IM Able Foundation.

Weaknecht said there were so many to thank for their help in the wake of Kyle's death, including the Reading and Philadelphia police departments, and the law enforcement community as a whole for their offers of assistance and condolences.

"Without them we couldn't have given Kyle the send-off he deserved," Weaknecht said.

Corporate contributions continue to come.

For example, Johnson & Johnson company has offered to match the donations made by others, and Redner's Warehouse Markets will provide dog food for Jynx throughout his life, Weaknecht said.

Countless other companies have also helped, including the dozens of local businesses that supported Friday's event.

Sgt. Vince Pacifico of the sheriff's department spoke of the Sovereign Center staff, for instance, who helped organize Wednesday's memorial service on short notice.

"I'm in awe," Pacifico said of the community support.

Alecia Pagerly, who is expecting the couple's first child in January, said she'll never forget those who are helping her family through its toughest time.